Preventing Teen Violence: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (Contemporary Psychology)

Ever since the killings at Columbine High School created a renewed focus on the problems of adolescent aggression, professionals in education, criminal justice, and social services have been seeking ways to curb its rising tide. This volume examines adolescent aggression from many perspectives―biological, psychological, and social―and analyzes some of the contributing factors to this growing problem. Written by internationally recognized experts in adolescent psychology, the book not only covers the causes of teen violence but, more important, offers solutions.

McCarthy, Hutz, and their contributors reveal the precursors to violent behavior, and provide strategies for working with adolescents to prevent future violence. The symptoms and strategies are described clearly in a way that can be understood and adapted by parents, schools, social service agencies, and criminal justice institutions. Topics include: substance abuse; suicide and self-harm; sexual aggression; anger management and impulse control; gang violence; school violence; bullying; resilience; and increasing critical thinking skills. This book is a must-read for anyone who lives, works, or comes in contact with youth.

Sherri N. McCarthy is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Northern Arizona University. She was a contributor to The Psychology of Terrorism (Praeger, 2002).

Claudio Simon Hutz is Professor of Developmental Psychology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.